DOES THE BIBLE FORBID INSTRUMENTS ?
DOES THE BIBLE FORBID INSTRUMENTS ?
Ephesians 5:19 says:
"…singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
What Does "In Your Heart" Mean?
Some argue that this phrase rules out the use of external instruments because it says to "make melody in your heart." But this is a misunderstanding of both the language and the context.
1. "In your heart" = the source of sincerity, not the method of music
In the Bible, the heart is often used to describe the inner person — the source of thought, sincerity, and motivation.
Romans 10:10 – “For with the heart one believes…”
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…”
These don’t mean that belief or work happens only internally, but that it must be done sincerely and with full devotion.
2. Ephesians 5:19 is about the attitude of singing, not the mechanics
Paul is not describing how to make melody (i.e., only internal music), but how to approach singing— with heartfelt sincerity, not just going through motions.
The contrast isn’t between instrument vs. no instrument
It’s between empty formality vs. genuine devotion
You can “sing” and still have no melody “in your heart” (hypocrisy).
Paul is saying: mean it when you sing.
3. Paul doesn't say: "Only in your heart"
If Paul had said "sing silently in your heart," that would exclude external singing too!
But he says: sing AND make melody in your heart — both are present.
This is like saying:
“Pray with faith in your heart.”
No one thinks that forbids praying aloud. It’s about your sincerity, not silencing the voice.
4. The phrase doesn’t exclude instruments—it emphasizes authenticity
If you use an instrument, or sing with your voice, or read Scripture aloud — the command is to do it from the heart.
Praise that is loud, quiet, sung, spoken, or even played on instruments — must come from a place of genuine devotion. That’s the point.
Conclusion
“Making melody in your heart” in Ephesians 5:19 does not forbid instruments. It simply means that whatever you do — singing, praising, serving — it must come from sincere devotion, not just outward performance.